How to fix an iPhone stuck in SOS mode

An iPhone stuck in SOS mode can be a frustrating experience, as it prevents you from making calls or using other essential features. The iPhone SOS mode is designed to help users in emergencies by enabling them to contact emergency services, even if they don’t have full signal.

However, sometimes the device can get stuck in this mode, preventing you from using the phone as usual. In this article, we’ll walk you through the possible causes of the issue and suggest effective ways to resolve it.

What is SOS mode on iPhone?

The SOS mode on iPhones is a feature designed to help users connect to emergency services in critical situations. When enabled, the phone attempts to make an emergency call and displays an “Emergency SOS” screen, sometimes accompanied by a countdown.

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However, there can be instances where your iPhone gets stuck in SOS mode and refuses to exit, even when the emergency function is no longer needed. This may happen due to a software glitch, network issue, or settings error.

1. Check for network connection issues

One of the first things to do when your iPhone is stuck in SOS mode is to check your network connection. This mode can sometimes be triggered if your phone has trouble connecting to a cellular network. To troubleshoot:

i. Turn on and off Airplane mode. This resets your network connections and can help resolve temporary signal issues.

ii. Check if your SIM card is properly inserted. Remove the card, inspect it for damage, and reinsert it carefully.

If the network connection is weak, try moving to an area with better coverage to ensure your device can reconnect to the cellular network.

2. Force restart your iPhone

A force restart can often resolve glitches that cause the iPhone SOS mode to stick. The method varies depending on the iPhone model:

i. For iPhone 8 and newer: Press and release the volume up button, then the volume down button. Press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.

ii. For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold both the volume down button and the Sleep/Wake button until the Apple logo appears.

iii. For iPhone 6s and older: Press and hold both the Home button and the Sleep/Wake button until the Apple logo appears.

A force restart can help exit the iPhone safety mode and return the phone to normal operation.

3. Update your iPhone software

Outdated software can sometimes cause unexpected issues, including getting stuck in SOS mode. If you can, try to update your iPhone’s software to the latest version:

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i. Open the Settings app.

ii. Tap on ‘General’ and then on ‘Software Update.’

iii. If an update is available, follow the on-screen prompts to install it.

Updating the software can fix bugs that may be contributing to the issue.

4. Restore your iPhone using iTunes or Finder

If none of the above solutions work, restoring your iPhone might be necessary. This step can resolve software corruption that is preventing your device from exiting SOS mode. Before proceeding, ensure your data is backed up:

i. Connect your iPhone to a computer and open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina and newer).

ii. Select your device, then choose “Restore iPhone.”

iii. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restore process.

Restoring your iPhone will erase all data, so it is essential to back up before proceeding.

5. Seek professional help

If your iPhone remains stuck in SOS mode despite trying the above fixes, it may be time to seek professional assistance. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store to have your device inspected for hardware issues or more complex software problems.

Getting your iPhone out of SOS mode can be a simple fix, depending on the cause. Whether it’s a network issue, a software glitch, or a problem with settings, following the steps above should help resolve the problem. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from Apple. By doing so, you can ensure your iPhone returns to normal functioning, and you can avoid further interruptions in its use.